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written by
Michael Davidson
supported by
the National Science Foundation
technical implementer:
Matthew J. Parry-Hill
edited by
Kristen Coyne

This item is a Java simulation that illustrates the "water-flow model" of electricity, a commonly-used analogy to help learners understand the flow of current through an electric circuit. Users control the flow rate to increase or decrease the amount of water running through the pipe. The water pump is analogous to a battery in a circuit; coiled water piping is analogous to the resistor in an electric circuit.

Mag Lab U is part of a large collection of web-based educational materials for K-20, developed by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University. SEE RELATED MATERIALS for a link to the full index of interactive Java tutorials.

Units (1)

This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.

Topic: Electricity and Electrical EnergyUnit Title: A Model for Electricity

A simulation that illustrates the "water-flow" model of electricity. The water pump represents a battery in a circuit; coiled water pipe represents a resistor. Students control the rate of flow through the pipe. EDITOR'S NOTE: This model helps students understand some very basic ideas about current flow. We recommend using it with the resource directly above from "The Electricity Book".

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